What Would You Do (#66)

[jiminyClickit]

amy57689, Thanks

Could have said it in 7 letters, but what fun is that?

[windrider86]

Ineegma, if the opportunity would arise that we could all re-take images that only a split second would allow, we would all be super famous photographers by now.
This image wasnt anything I would even want to go back and retake as the moment wouldnt be the same. The purpose of this thread is to learn from our steps and what others can improve (or not improve) upon.
i cant tell you how much i have learned from this very challenge, so much so that I have had images displayed in National Geographic and in numerous other international magazines. if it had not been for this very thread and the wonderful people that contribute to it and help nurture I would never have had that happen.
I do not profess to be the best at what I do, and nor do I claim to be brilliant at photography or post processing, but I am proud of you for being able to be so wonderful at your post processing skills and what you are able to contribute to this that you could not provide what you might have improved upon with this image. A true professional embraces the moment and makes the most of the moment whith what they have available. If it be a cell phone then so be it. Hell, I've done shots for newspapers with a cell phone (mostly cause i forgot me memory card, IMPROVISE)
Thank you so very kindly for your shot at this challenge. Perhaps you might be able to show us what you could do better, besides retake the shot. How's that for a challenge

[iNeegma]

Wow!

Let me explain where my comment came from. As rightly noted, besides polishing photoshop skills, photographers do need to understand at glance if the picture is too difficult or unworthy.

This particular picture is poorly shot (due to equipment, lack of light, etc.), AND does not have the value (seriously, next time the grandson is having dinner, windrider86 can grab an SLR, a swivel-head strobe and get the same exact shot at much greater quality). So I made my suggestion.

Teewinot kindly explained me what the WWYD is about.. I apologize and promise to refrain from dry comments in the future.

By the way. Jim, you're the only one who's actually tried to save the image..

[private]

Unworthy? A photo of ones family is never unworthy even if its not "perfect" in the eyes of others. That being sd - here is my try (I may play with it more tomorrow - too sleepy to do any more...)



Cropped photo, unsharp mask, cut him out and layered him on to the brick wall, added writing on the wall. added shadow box under picture.

[prince]

This is my attempt at saving the photo :P.. will that work iNeegma?


Sorry I am not good at cloning so couldn't do it perfectly.. :S Share and learn

[windrider86]

Thanks private. I love your version (the brick wall especially)
Again, I note the the purpose of this thread it to improve upon and learn your post prosssing skills. Not everyone is so fortunate to always have at their disposal a tripod, a dls camera, lighting equipment or the perfect strobe and what ever else is called for. I for one do not carry around in my back pocket all of that material
We all know what serves as a "Great" photo and what is a "meaningful" photo and i again I stress the purpose of this thread which I am realizing is not something you are beginning to grasp. The purpose of this thread, just in cae in cae no one is clear is how to imrpove upon your post processing skills. Not just who can shoot the perfect scent, (for which we are all capable of)
I beg to differ that Jim is the only one who "tried to save the image" (event tho his version was grand) as i see it,every last one of these is a wonderul alteration.
again, I challenge you for your version if you so dare
If an image is important to someone or has some sort of meaning that than image is priceless no matter what

[KathrynWilson]

Here's an attempt from me:

[genielamb]

and I do mean the wilds of Africa (that is where this background came from)
Hope you like it Windrider



Cleaned up the spills and messes just a little. Softened the image to co-incide with the blur. Sharpened the eyes, isolated that cute little guy, substitued new background that I felt would add to the feel of the image. The background was sharply in focus so I added a gaussian blur to it. Played with hue and curves until the subject blended with the background and looked natural as best I could.

[windrider86]

wonderful images. all of them are worth hanging

[iNeegma]

[Duplicate] (Ctrl+J) original layer
[Curves] (Ctrl+M) to uncover background
[Filter -> Noise -> Reduce Noise] to reduce background graininess
[Clone Tool] (S) to get rid of flash shadow
[Duplicate] (Ctrl+J) newly adjusted layer
[Filter -> Blur -> Lens Blur] to blur background
[Add Layer Mask] to blurred layer
Apply [Gradient Tool] (G) to bottom of layer mask to imitate depth of field
[Duplicate] (Ctrl+J) original unmodified background layer, place it on top
[Filter -> Extract] to separate subject from background
[Clone Tool] to get rid of flash shadow near left chin
[Curves -> Set White Point] (Ctrl+M) to adjust white balance
[Duplicate] (Ctrl+J) layer with 'separated subject'
[Filter -> Sharpen -> Smart Sharpen] to add a little sharpiness
Place 'sharpen' layer underneath layer with 'separated subject'
[Add Layer Mask] to layer with 'separated subject'
[Brush Tool] (B) to delete around eyes, nose and lips
[Dodge Tool] (O) to lighten eyes
[Merge Layers] (Ctrl+Shft+E)